diff --git a/tests/thread/atomic.cpp b/tests/thread/atomic.cpp
index 0ec7362f3d..1e554935bf 100644
--- a/tests/thread/atomic.cpp
+++ b/tests/thread/atomic.cpp
@@ -171,9 +171,7 @@ void *AtomicTestCase::MyThread::Entry()
         {
             case AtomicTestCase::IncAndDecMixed:
                 wxAtomicInc(m_operateOn);
-                wxAtomicDec(m_operateOn);
-
-                if (m_operateOn < 0)
+                if ( wxAtomicDec(m_operateOn) < 0 )
                     ++negativeValuesSeen;
                 break;